Could neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s originate in the gut? New research from the US, published in the journal Nature, shows that certain proteins produced by gut bacteria may be linked to neurodegeneration in rats. A team of researchers at Louisville School of Medicine found that neuron destruction processes in the brain could…
People with Crohn’s disease know the uncomfortable symptoms of the chronic condition all too well: diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss and fatigue, among others. But what doctors have not been able to tell the approximately 565,000 people in the U.S. with Crohn’s is why they’ve developed the inflammatory bowel condition in the first place. Most…
For one individual, the culprit might be peanut butter. For another, it might be fried chicken. Foods that trigger symptoms are well identified by those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)—a functional disorder based on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms that might include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea. Scientifically, it has proven more difficult…
Blame your diet—especially these kinds of foods Your waistband is digging into your belly, and your gut feels like you swallowed a balloon that failed to pop. Many of us experience bloating from time to time. But for some, the sensation is a daily source of pain and discomfort. Bloating is just what you think…
That exhilarating (or excruciating) hot sensation you get when eating chili peppers? That’s due to their capsaicin content – and it’s definitely a “healthy burn”. Chilies are a popular addition to Mexican, Indian, and other international cuisines. The most common reason they’re added to foods is the sensation of heat they impart. This sensation is…
The persistent myth that dietary fat causes obesity and promotes heart disease has undoubtedly ruined the health of millions of people. It’s difficult to know just how many people have succumbed to chronic poor health from following conventional low-fat, high-carb recommendations, but I’m sure the number is significant. In the featured documentary, Cereal…
The people who inhabit the Caucasus Mountains of the former USSR are very long-lived, remaining healthy, vital and, legend has it, even becoming parents well into advanced old age. There are stories about some people living into their 160s. However, when researchers went there, looking to verify some these claims, it seemed that Shirali Musilov,…
Scientists say that a diverse gut microbiome is a healthy one, and it turns out that your lifestyle plays a huge role in shaping that. In a new study out of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, researchers examined specific foods and beverages that either contributed to or impaired microbiota diversity, and found that…
Could a doctor’s visit one day result in a prescription for chocolate? According to a new study, it is possible. Researchers suggest that consuming a small amount of chocolate every day may lower the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Study co-author Prof. Saverio Stranges – visiting academic of the University of Warwick Medical School,…
PREVENTION & TREATMENT Has someone you know just hit the big 5-0? This milestone birthday requires more than just a memorable birthday gift; it also calls for a colorectal cancer screening. A stark fact is that colorectal cancer appears all too often, in 5 percent of us, and usually has no symptoms. The good news…